Luton's wheel officially opened

The giant ferris wheel that is currently standing in Luton’s St George’s Square has been officially opened.

Lutonians gathered to watch the mayor, Councillor Sid Knight, cut a ceremonial ribbon before taking a ride on the 35 metre high wheel.

After a successful visit in 2009 the wheel has returned to the town centre just in time for half term.

On a clear day riders will be able to take in unique bird’s eye views of the town centre, the Hart Lane Water Tower and the Warden Hills. At night the wheel will be brightly lit.

The huge mechanism is the largest transportable wheel in Europe and has visited the city centres of Manchester, York, Liverpool and Belfast. It takes workers three days to assemble and seats a maximum of 144 passengers in 24 carriages.

The wheel will be operating until Sunday 4 November. It's opening hours are Sunday to Thursday: 11am – 7pm, Friday to Saturday: 10am – 10.30pm